If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander means what he says, the NBA won’t have much choice but to reinsert itself in cities like Cleveland and Oklahoma City.

The precise moment when the Kia Race to the MVP got real was last Sunday when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander swatted away a layup attempt by Jayson Tatum, another Kia MVP contender, in the tense fourth-quarter moments of Oklahoma City vs. Boston.

All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander talks addresses his future with the Thunder after Wednesday's loss to the Cavs

I can only speak for myself. I love Oklahoma City and I can’t see a world where I’m not in Oklahoma City,” he said. “I’m comfortable where I am. I like where I am. I love the people in the

Even when the Oklahoma City Thunder lose, they find a win. After a historic 15-game win streak was snapped in an electrifying affair against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made fans quickly forget the sour taste of a loss.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault credited Cavs’ Jarrett Allen for his dominating performance leading Donovan Mitchell and the team in Wednesday’s loss. Following one of the more entertaining games between two small-market teams, a reporter asked Gilgeous-Alexander about its significance.

Following a big win against the Celtics, SGA and the Thunder are now 30-5 this season. They've won a franchise-record 15 consecutive games.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is 26 years old, in the MVP conversation (again) and playing for a tight-knit team that has a chance to win a championship. His two most talented teammates, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams,

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be the spotlight player for NBA 2K25 Season 4, which begins on Jan. 10, 2K Entertainment and Visual Concepts announced in a new Courtside Report post.